Taunton athletes ink letter of intent to play Division I baseball

Steve Sanchez Gazette Sports Editor @Chezsports

Wednesday

Nov 14, 2018 at 8:31 PM

TAUNTON — Different paths, same results for Taunton High baseball players Jack Moynihan and Josh Lajoie.

Moynihan began his career in baseball at his backyard playing catch with his dad Steve at the age of 3. Lajoie took part in the Taunton West Little League T-ball program at the age of 5. Eventually both players starred on Silver City Little League fields.

Now it has come full circled for the Tiger pitchers.

"[Today] means the world to me," Lajoie said. "I've dream about this since I was a little kid ... working hard every day. I started to get recruited by colleges here and there. Then toward my sophomore and junior year, I started getting serious. That's when I found out I had the potential to play at the next level."

Moynihan and Lajoie each signed letters of intent in front of family and friends on Wednesday to attend Division I programs of their choice during a ceremony inside the Rabouin field house on the campus of Taunton High School.

"It's pretty special to make my family proud," said an emotional Moynihan. "All the hard work I've done. I'm very grateful for this opportunity."

Moynihan received a partial scholarship to attend Division I college Siena College in New York while Lajoie received a partial scholarship himself to attend Division I St. John's University in New York City.

The Saints, who finished last year with a 21-35 record in the MAAC League, are led by longtime head coach Tony Rossi. Meanwhile, the Red Storm are led by Ed Blankmeyer, who is in his 23rd season as head coach. St. John's finished with a 40-19 regular season record and was a selection to the Clemson Regional — the program's 36th NCAA appearance.

Lajoie had plenty of choices to choose from that included UConn, Columbia, Northeastern, Bryant, UMass-Amherst and Stoney Brook University. He decided on the Red Storm.

"I really enjoy the city," Lajoie said. "They have a great baseball program there. Ever since I met the coaches, I fell in love with the program. The rest is history from there."

Moynihan was spotted by Siena recruiters at a tournament down in Virginia. He was later invited to attend their camp.

"It was a huge weight off my shoulders," Moynihan said. "I don't have to fill out any more applications. I didn't have too many colleges looking at me. I went down there and fell in love with the school instantly. I love the players that are there, love the coach and love the atmosphere."

Third-year Taunton head coach Blair Bourque said both Moynihan and Lajoie are pretty unique in their own ways.

"This is a tremendous moment for them and I'm very proud," Bourque said. "They've worked hard for this and I just told them that it is just beginning. They have been great leaders for us, phenomenal kids and really good students. It is a good achievement. I wished them both the best of luck."

The Tigers punched a berth in the state tournament for the eighth straight season in 2018 after finishing with a 13-8 record.

Moynihan had a 4-1 mark as a junior and an earned run average of 1.43. He pitched 39 innings and had 43 strikeouts in seven starts. At the plate, he batted .283 with an OPS average of .679. Lajoie pitched as a starter, long and short relief last year. He finished with a 1-1 record, started three games and had two saves. In 23 innings, Lajoie posted a 1.52 ERA in 23 innings pitched with 36 strikeouts. He batted .372 at the plate and had an OPS of .832.

Bourque said either pitcher lacks confidence when they're on the mound.

"I think both of them have risen to the top," Bourque said. "It's because of the hard work and dedication they put into their practices and the weight room. I think the kids look up to them and it's just one more notch on their belts."

Both Moynihan and Lajoie said they owe it all to their parents.

"My mom [Marica] and dad [Steve] has done everything for me," Lajoie said. "They mean the world to me and I couldn't have done this without them."

Moynihan agreed.

"My parents — Amy and Steve Moynihan — have meant a lot to me," Moynihan said. "It would not be possible without them. It meant more than anything to me to have my sister [Erica McGreevy] and family here today."

Both Moynihan and Lajoie will get a chance to play on a new turf field in 2019. Each of them said it will be a privilege and pretty special during their final high school year.

"I know, not just me and Josh, but the seniors this year really pushing for a state title this year," Moynihan said. "We're going to make sure everyone is on board and working hard. It's a team game. It's not the seniors but everyone around us."

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